New event and old favorites at Monson Summerfest

Observer file photo  FUN ON THE WATER — The annual “Anything That Floats” contest at the Monson Summerfest is a humorous event where contestants often wear unusual costumes in their homemade watercraft.

Staff Report

 MONSON — The Slate Man Triathlon, a craft fair and “Anything That Floats” returns to the Monson Summerfest this year as the community kicks off the annual celebration on Saturday, July 18.

 The Lake Hebron Slate Man Triathlon — consisting of a run, kayak and bicycling event over a six-mile stretch — gets underway at 8 a.m. outside Monson’s community gymnasium. Jack Daily of Salt Lake City won his fifth consecutive Slate Man Triathlon last year while Trish Moulton of Abbot took the ladies’ trophy.

 The entry fee for three-person teams age 16 and older is $30 while individual entrants are $10. A copy of the rules can be picked up at the town office.

 The kids’ games, such as the three-legged race, take place from 10 a.m.-noon at the ball field behind the gym.

 Monson Town Manager Lucas Butler announced a new attraction to Monson’s Summerfest this year: an “electronics drive” organized by Universal Waste, which will be set up outside the fire department from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

 Residents are invited to rid themselves of those old TVs, computers and other electronic equipment which are getting in the way and just gathering dust.

 The Monson Fire Department will also be hosting its own free drawings for firewood, fishing rods and a fire truck pedal car at 2:45 p.m.

 There will be a craft fair on Monson’s Main Street which begins at 9 a.m. and more details are available at 997-3268.

 The Monson Historical Society Museum, open from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., will have a special presentation from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. by nationally-acclaimed painter and Monson resident Alan Bray. Prints and signed posters of Bray’s work will be available for purchase and one will also be offered as a door prize.

 The museum features Monson narrow gauge railroad items, Monson Academy memorabilia, slate quarry items and a gift shop with local souvenirs.

 And with history in mind, the Monson Alumni Association will host its social hour at the gym at 5:30 p.m., followed by a banquet at 6.30 p.m.

 From 12-1:30 p.m. is “Lunch around Town” featuring a breakfast special at Pete’s Bakery, a barbecue swap meet plus live music at Spring Creek Barbeque and a

 Monson Pottery Workshop at the Community Center is conducting a raku firing in the parking lot from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Demonstrations of throwing clay on a potter’s wheel will also take place at the workshop from 12-2 p.m. Want to give it a try? Just call 370-7099 for more information.

 The Monson Public Library will host a book sale at the Monson Center for Community and Commerce from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.  The library will have an open house from 2-4 p.m. with light refreshments, plus a free drawing for a Blu-Ray DVD player at 3:45 p.m.“buy-one-sandwich, half-off-another” special at the Lakeshore House where the Valley Boys band will play from 6-9 in the evening.

 Then it’s full steam ahead for the “Anything Floats” race at 2:30 p.m. from the boat landing behind the post office to the dock at the Lakeshore House. Ribbons will be awarded for the first-, second- and third-place finishers.

 Contra dancing takes place at the historic Finnish Farmer’s Club hall from 8-10 p.m., and the evening caps off with “exploding lights” fireworks at the ball field behind the gym starting at 9 p.m.

 Pick up a brochure with all the details about Monson Summerfest at many local businesses in town.